… This species is a compact, upright plant reaching up to 2' tall with coarse, arrow-shaped leaves. Numerous … is less intense and lighter than that of most cultivars of Salvia x sylvestris. This easy-to-grow, hardy perennial is usually sold as the cultivar 'Purple Rain'. A rich purple salvia …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… will experience diurnal temperature fluctuations (changes between day and night temperatures) to insure healthy growth that will support winter flowering. The orchid family consists of a … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- … and contrasting colors and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although some orchids are native to temperate zones, most orchids tend to prefer a semi-tropical or tropical environment (USDA …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Ivory Towers false indigo is notable for the striking contrast between its ivory white blooms and its deep purple stems. … North Carolina. Members of the genus Baptisia are commonly known as wild or false indigo due to their use by early Americans as a blue dye. Although "indigo" is in the common name, the … are followed in the fall by dark pods. Overall habits of the plant are broad-rounded mounds to vase-shaped and range in height from two to five feet. Baptisia are considered easy-to-grow, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… rise above freezing, select branches that have numerous, healthy buds, taking care not to disfigure your tree or shrub. Using a sharp blade, cut a few more branches than you need just … Once inside, re-cut the branches 1 inch from the base, and then carefully split the cut end 1 to 4 inches up the stem. Place the stems in water immediately. Entire stems can also be totally submerged in water for several hours to replace moisture lost during winter. During the forcing period, place the branches out of …
Type: Plant Info
… Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds', commonly known as Arthur Simmonds bluebeard, is the result of a cross between Caryopteris incana and Caryopteris mongholica . The original … was raised in plantsman Arthur Simmonds' garden in Surrey, England, in 1933, and belongs to that group of plants known as dieback shrubs. These are soft-wooded shrubs or subshrubs that … behave more like herbaceous perennials than like woody shrubs. Their above-ground growth tends to die back, anywhere from a few inches from their tips all the way down to the base of the …
Type: Plant Info
… Iris 'Batik' is a border bearded iris that is a little shorter than tall bearded irises. The royal-purple … a distinctive look on each bloom. The contrasting yellow beards add the perfect accent to these stunning blooms. The stems stand 2 feet tall, each with multiple buds that open in late spring to early summer. It has no fragrance but is attractive to butterflies and makes an excellent cut …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Echinacea pallida is one of two species of coneflower native to Illinois. It is recognized by the narrow, drooping … at the base of the plant. The flowers grow singly at the top of a fuzzy flower stalk two to three feet tall. It is native through much of eastern and central North America, but is …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This broadleaf evergreen selection grows 6 feet in height and is a hybrid of two Asian species. New growth that appears in spring is deep red before it fades to a dark, shiny green. An abundance of tiny, white urn-shaped flowers hang above the leaves in 4- to 6-racemes in April. If spring is cool, they will last for a few weeks. The buds are formed the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Beautiful five-to-nine-lobed leaves emerge early. The plant grows 10 feet in height with a spread exceeding its height, and it is highly admired for its wonderful horizontal branches. Use the Japanese maple as a specimen … a cut-leaf or lace leaf variety of Japanese maple. Its foliage emerges deep purple, maturing to purple red and turning a bright red in the fall. This lovely small tree, native to the Far …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… reach 8 feet in height in the Chicago region. It grows in full sun or partially shaded areas, is not fussy as to soils, and is relatively insect and disease free. The fleshy, red-colored berries are bird favorites, which has led to its recommendation for wildlife habitat restoration earlier in the twentieth century when …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
